“We confirm that Obodo was kidnapped yesterday in Effurum (near Warri). We are making all diligent efforts to ensure that he is rescued unhurt,” Delta State police spokesman Charles Muka told AFP.

“We are very hopeful that we will rescue him alive. We are working in combination with all other security agencies, including local vigilante groups and communities. We are combing everywhere.”

Police stated they aim to bring the 28-year-old Nigerian international back without paying the ransom money.

Obodo is owned by Udinese, but spent this season on loan at Lecce.

He becomes the first Nigerian football player to be abducted, as until now relatives of players tended to be kidnapped and later released, such as Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi’s father and Everton defender Joseph Yobo’s brother.